Haze: Localised smoke plumes detected in Sarawak, west Kalimantan, says ASMC
KUCHING (July 26): Localised smoke plumes have been detected over Sarawak and western Kalimantan today, according to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).
Satellite imagery from ASMC also showed hotspots in Mukah, with isolated hotspots identified in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
'The hotspots and haze situation over the northern Asean region was observed to remain subdued.
'Dry weather is expected to continue over parts of the southern Asean region with the exception of showers forecast over parts of Sumatra, Java, as well as the southern and eastern parts of Kalimantan in the coming days,' said ASMC in its website https://asmc.asean.org/home/.
ASMC noted that while the showers may ease hotspot and haze activity, localised smoke plumes and isolated hotspots could still emerge in areas experiencing prolonged dry spells. There also remains a chance of transboundary haze.
'The prevailing winds in the southern Asean region are forecast to blow mainly from the southeast to south,' it added.
As at 8am today, Lundu recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 113, while the rest of Sarawak reported moderate air quality, with Kuching at 98, Samarahan at 90, and Bintulu at 80.
API readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, while readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre ASMC haze hotspots lead
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Lee urges vigilance against peat fires as Miri faces hot, dry spell
Malaysian Army personnel seen in action during a firefighting operation against peat fire in this file photo. MIRI (July 29): Landowners and estate operators, particularly those in fire-prone peat areas here, are being urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor their lands to prevent any open burning activities. Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that any signs of fire must be dealt with promptly. 'We cannot afford to be complacent,' he said in a statement today. Several areas in Miri, in particular Permyjaya, Senadin and Kuala Baram, are known to be prone to peat fires over the years, which have long been a cause for concern, especially during prolonged dry and hot spells. Commenting on the current heat and haze in Miri, Lee said he had called for immediate and coordinated action to reduce fire risks. 'I have highlighted Miri's situation personally to the chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, when he was in Miri for the Sarawak Day celebration. 'He had instructed the Miri Resident to urgently mobilise relevant enforcement agencies to conduct ground patrols and take necessary actions to prevent wildfires, especially in hotspot-prone areas,' he said. Lee added that the Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee is scheduled to convene a meeting on July 30 (tomorrow) to enhance coordination between the relevant departments and agencies, ensuring swift and collective action to mitigate wildfire risks in peat soil areas. The key agencies involved, he said, include the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), Department of Environment (DOE), Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sarawak Meteorological Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Water Supply Company, local authorities as well as the Health Department. Lee also urged the public to fully cooperate with the authorities and refrain from any form of open burning. 'If you see fire or suspicious smoke, alert the Bomba immediately. We must all be ready to respond swiftly and responsibly,' he said. He further advised the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions should the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reach unhealthy levels. Lee emphasised that community cooperation is vital in preventing environmental disasters during this dry season. landowners Lee Kim Shin open-burning peat fire
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Sarawak schools urged to limit outdoor activities amid haze
KUCHING: Schools across Sarawak have been instructed to minimise outdoor activities as haze and hot weather persist, raising health concerns for students. State Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised the need for precautionary measures, particularly for vulnerable children. Fatimah advised that extracurricular programmes should be moved indoors where possible. 'The current air quality is unsafe due to haze. Outdoor activities should be avoided,' she said after the Petronas Empowering Knowledge 2025 Education Sponsorship Award ceremony. She highlighted the risks for students with respiratory conditions, urging them to wear face masks. 'Children with asthma need special attention. We strongly encourage mask usage as a precaution,' she added. Schools have also been directed to monitor Air Pollution Index (API) readings regularly and adjust activities accordingly. As of 8 am today, Lundu recorded the highest API reading at 88, up from 79 the previous evening. Kuching's API remained stable at 74. The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) confirmed moderate air quality across all 18 monitoring stations in Sarawak. – Bernama
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Barnama
Schools In Sarawak Advised To Reduce Outdoor Activities Due To Haze, Hot Weather
GENERAL KUCHING, July 29 (Bernama) -- Schools in Sarawak have been advised to reduce outdoor activities to avoid the risk of students developing health issues related to the ongoing haze and hot weather conditions. State Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Minister (KPWK) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that if there is a need to conduct extracurricular activities involving students, they should be held indoors to avoid exposure to the unhealthy air quality. 'It is common practice during hazy conditions to avoid outdoor activities. The current air quality is not safe due to the haze,' she told reporters after the Petronas Empowering Knowledge 2025 Education Sponsorship Award ceremony today. She emphasised that co-curricular and sports programmes should preferably be conducted indoors, particularly to safeguard students who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma. She advised the public, especially schoolchildren, to resume the use of face masks as a preventive measure against the adverse effects of the haze. 'Children with asthma need special attention, and we strongly encourage them to wear face masks as a precaution,' she said. She added that schools have been instructed to continuously monitor the Air Pollution Index (API) readings and take appropriate action based on the latest data. Meanwhile, it is reported that air quality in Sarawak remained at moderate levels across all 18 monitoring stations this morning, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB). As of 8 am, Lundu recorded the highest API reading at 88, up from 79 at 4 pm yesterday. Kuching maintained a reading of 74, unchanged from the same time the previous day.
